The question of how much moonshine is required to cause intoxication is not simple, because moonshine is a highly variable spirit. Moonshine is essentially unaged whiskey, known for its high potency. The answer depends on the alcohol concentration of the liquid, the unique biological characteristics of the person drinking it, and the rate at which they consume it.
Defining Moonshine Potency and Proof
The most significant factor in determining intoxication is the alcohol content of the moonshine itself, which exhibits extreme variability. Alcohol content is measured in Alcohol by Volume (ABV), and it is also expressed as “proof,” which is double the ABV percentage. Commercial, legally produced moonshine is typically bottled at a strength comparable to standard spirits, often around 80 to 100 proof, or 40% to 50% ABV.
Traditional or illicitly made moonshine is not subject to any regulatory standards, meaning its potency can be dangerously high and inconsistent. This unregulated product can easily exceed 150 proof (75% ABV), and in some cases, it can reach nearly 190 proof (95% ABV). The extreme variability means that a single serving of unregulated moonshine could contain the equivalent pure alcohol of two or three standard shots of commercial liquor. Determining how much is needed for intoxication is impossible without knowing the exact proof of the batch.
Individual Factors Determining Intoxication
Intoxication is not solely a function of the amount of alcohol consumed; it is also heavily influenced by the individual’s biological and behavioral factors. Body weight plays a significant role because alcohol is distributed throughout the body’s water content. A person with a larger body mass will generally have a lower concentration of alcohol in their bloodstream after consuming the same amount as a smaller person. Body composition is also relevant, as alcohol is more soluble in water-rich muscle tissue than in fat.
Biological sex affects the rate of alcohol metabolism and distribution. Females generally have a higher percentage of body fat and less of the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase, which breaks down alcohol in the stomach. This difference means that a woman will often achieve a higher BAC than a man of the same weight consuming the same amount of alcohol. The presence of food in the stomach slows the absorption of alcohol, delaying the peak Blood Alcohol Content (BAC). Consuming moonshine quickly on an empty stomach causes the BAC to rise much faster, leading to rapid intoxication.
Blood Alcohol Content and Impairment Levels
The quantitative measure used to track intoxication is Blood Alcohol Content (BAC), which represents the percentage of alcohol in the bloodstream. The effects of alcohol are directly tied to BAC levels, providing a framework for understanding impairment. A “standard drink” is defined as containing 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol, which equates to a 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof (40% ABV) liquor.
A BAC of 0.02% is the initial level of measurable impairment, often resulting in relaxation and altered mood. The ability to track a moving object and make sound judgments begins to decline noticeably at 0.05% BAC. The legal limit for driving in most of the United States is 0.08%. At this level, coordination, balance, speech, and reaction time are significantly impaired.
When consuming moonshine, especially high-proof, unregulated versions, the alcohol intake is often exponentially higher than standard liquor. For example, a 1.5-ounce pour of 150-proof moonshine (75% ABV) contains nearly two standard drinks’ worth of alcohol. At 0.15% BAC, individuals experience a severe loss of muscle control, making walking and talking difficult, and blackouts become likely. Concentrations of 0.30% to 0.40% indicate alcohol poisoning, which carries a high risk of unconsciousness, respiratory depression, and death.
Unique Safety Risks of Unregulated Moonshine
Beyond the risk of acute alcohol intoxication, unregulated moonshine poses specific, life-threatening dangers not present in commercially produced spirits. Improper distillation can result in the presence of methanol, a toxic alcohol sometimes called wood alcohol. The body metabolizes methanol into formaldehyde and then into formic acid, which poisons the body’s cells.
Consuming even small amounts of methanol can permanently damage the central nervous system. As little as 10 milliliters can destroy the optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness, and doses around 30 milliliters can be lethal. Furthermore, homemade stills are sometimes constructed with materials that allow heavy metals, such as lead, to leach into the finished product. Lead poisoning from contaminated moonshine can cause serious health issues, including renal disease and neurological damage.